Fourth tourist dies of suspected methanol poisoning in Laos

The death of Australian teenager Bianca Jones, 19, has brought the total number of tourists believed to have died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos to four. Jones’s family confirmed her passing on Thursday, following earlier reports of the death of an American man in the same tourist town, Vang Vieng, where the tragic incidents have occurred.

The deaths have shocked the global backpacking community. Danish authorities also confirmed that two young women, aged 19 and 20, died last week from what is suspected to be methanol poisoning. The details surrounding the deaths remain under investigation by Laotian police, but reports from other travelers and social media testimonies suggest that the victims may have ingested beverages laced with methanol, a highly toxic substance commonly found in bootleg alcohol.

Vang Vieng, a popular riverside town in central Laos, has long been a hotspot for young Western tourists on the Banana Pancake Trail — a backpacking route that spans Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and vibrant party scene, Vang Vieng has unfortunately now been associated with this string of tragic deaths.

The Australian government has expressed its condolences, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledging the deep pain of the family. “Our first thoughts in this moment are with her family and friends who are grieving a terrible and cruel loss,” he said, adding that the death of a child is “every parent’s worst fear.”

Jones’s friend, Holly Bowles, who was also affected by the poisoning, remains in critical condition on life support in a hospital in Bangkok. A British tourist was also reported to be hospitalized with similar symptoms. In addition, authorities in New Zealand and the Netherlands have confirmed that their citizens have also been affected. One New Zealand national is reportedly in poor health due to suspected methanol poisoning, while a Dutch tourist is currently in stable condition after hospitalization.

The deaths have drawn international attention, prompting several countries to issue warnings to their citizens traveling to Laos. Both the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office have cautioned tourists about the potential dangers of methanol contamination in alcohol, urging travelers to be vigilant when consuming drinks, particularly in areas known for unregulated, bootleg alcohol.

The Nana Backpacker Hostel, where Jones and her friend stayed, has been closed for investigation. According to the hostel’s manager, more than 100 guests, including the two Australian women, had received free shots of Lao vodka the evening before the incident. After consuming the shots, the women went out to explore the town, and both later fell seriously ill. No other guests at the hostel reported any health issues, but the manager stated that they would cease offering free alcohol shots pending the outcome of the investigation. The hostel has expressed hope that the investigation will clear its name, but it has stopped the practice for the time being.

Methanol, unlike ethanol, which is the alcohol found in standard alcoholic beverages, is highly toxic to humans. It is often used by illegal alcohol producers to boost the alcohol content cheaply, though it can lead to fatal poisoning when consumed. Symptoms of methanol poisoning include dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, organ failure, leading to death. Earlier this year, India saw a similar tragedy when at least 57 people died after consuming methanol-laced liquor. While mass methanol poisoning cases have been reported in several countries, including the Philippines, Peru, and Indonesia, the recent fatalities in Laos have raised alarm, particularly given that they involved foreign tourists.

The authorities in Laos are conducting their investigations, and it remains unclear how many other people may have been affected by the methanol-laced drinks. As of now, no further cases have been reported, but travelers to the region have been urged to exercise caution.

Jones’s family has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support from across Australia, thanking well-wishers for their kind messages. In a statement released to the press, they asked for privacy as they navigate the difficult grieving process. “We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate through our grief and begin to heal,” they said.

The situation has also raised concerns about the safety standards of alcohol consumed by tourists in Southeast Asia, where bootleg alcohol production remains a significant issue. While Laos has made efforts to improve regulation in recent years, tragedies like this highlight the continuing risks faced by travelers in areas where unregulated alcohol production is prevalent.

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder to tourists worldwide about the potential dangers of consuming unregulated alcohol, especially in countries with a high prevalence of bootleg alcohol, and the importance of being vigilant when it comes to personal safety.